Explainer: Does Wontumi’s conviction disqualify him from the NPP chairmanship race?
The spokesperson for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has revealed that the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) still plans to contest the party’s National Chairmanship election despite his imprisonment. Dr Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah, speaking to Joy FM’s Newsnight on Wednesday, said supporters have picked up nomination forms on […]
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the current Chairman Wontumi, announced that the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to contest the National Chairmanship election despite his imprisonment. Dr Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah stated that supporters plan to have Wontumi sign nomination forms in Nsawam Prison as his legal team files a bail application pending his appeal.
Wontumi serves a 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining activities in the Western Region. The NPP's election timetable, set for October 3, 2026, includes nomination closing on August 22, and vetting stages from August 31 to September 3. Wontumi's bail hearing has been postponed to October 15, 2026, which falls after the election.
The NPP constitution disqualifies members convicted of dishonesty, fraud, moral turpitude, high treason, or offenses against the security of the state within 10 years of sentencing unless pardoned. Wontumi's conviction and sentence meet these disqualification criteria. Ghana's Constitution does not directly apply to internal party elections, leaving the matter to the NPP's rules.
The party's Vetting Committee will determine Wontumi's eligibility before the National Executive Elections.
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